A compact electric motor developed by Mercedes-Benz-owned YASA is reshaping expectations around electric vehicle performance, delivering more than 1,000 horsepower from a unit weighing just 28 pounds.
The UK-based company, operating out of Oxford, has introduced a prototype axial-flux motor that produces 750 kilowatts of peak power, surpassing the output of many high-performance electric drivetrains. The achievement marks a significant advance in power density, a key metric in electric propulsion that measures output relative to weight.
YASA’s latest motor achieves 59 kilowatts per kilogram, representing a 40 percent increase over its previous benchmark set months earlier. That earlier milestone featured a slightly heavier motor producing 550 kilowatts. The new result more than doubles the power density of many competing designs currently used across the automotive industry.
Unlike traditional radial-flux motors found in most electric vehicles, YASA’s axial-flux design reconfigures how magnetic components are arranged. This approach allows for greater output within a smaller and lighter package, offering potential advantages in both performance and vehicle packaging.
Beyond peak output, the motor delivers between 350 and 400 kilowatts of continuous power, translating to roughly 469 to 536 horsepower sustained over time. This continuous performance level exceeds the peak power density of many competing electric motors, highlighting its practical application beyond short bursts of acceleration.
The prototype stands out not only for its performance but also for its manufacturability. YASA emphasizes that the motor is built using scalable materials and production processes, avoiding reliance on rare or prohibitively expensive components. This focus positions the technology as a potential candidate for broader adoption rather than a limited experimental concept.
The development has drawn attention in part due to comparisons with existing electric performance benchmarks. A single YASA motor approaches the total output of multi-motor systems found in some high-performance EVs, underscoring its efficiency.
Mercedes-Benz plans to integrate axial-flux motors into future AMG electric models, including an upcoming performance-focused grand tourer. While no timeline has been announced for widespread production, the technology’s combination of high output and scalability suggests it could influence the next generation of electric vehicles.
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